Interprofessional Care: an Approach to Enhance Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Enhancing Interprofessional Competencies

Abstract

Abstract Interprofessional collaborative practice is an essential component of healthcare delivery, to address the many health conditions that require a multidisciplinary approach to care. The formation of an interprofessional team that can work together utilizing interprofessional competencies is needed to perform the function seamlessly. Interprofessional education is essential to develop a “practice-ready workforce”. This study is aimed at designing and validating an interprofessional education module to integrate and improve interprofessional competencies among students of healthcare professions to care for children with autism. This quasi experimental study was done among 49 students from four different healthcare professions courses. The module was prepared using scientific methods and implemented among the selected healthcare professions students. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and an observation checklist. Using the mean, frequency and percentage, and t-test, data were analysed. There was a significantly noticeable increase in the knowledge (pre-test mean 9.43 ± 2.92; post-test mean 12.27 ± 2.98) and competency (pre-test mean 76.98 ± 7.55; post-test mean 91.88 ± 5.31) scores with a moderately positive correlation between knowledge and competencies (p ≥ 0.05). The competency observation also showed an increase in the level of competency attained by the students. The study also aligned with the promotion of Sustainable Developmental Goals 3 “good health and well-being”, 4 “quality education” and 17 “partnerships for the goals”. The preparation and application of the module is essential to augment the interprofessional competencies of students. The study showed that the prepared module on interprofessional care for children with autism was successful in improving the interprofessional competencies of the healthcare professions students. Trial Registration Number CTRI/2020/03/023838